The question was addressed to none other than the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader who arrived in Kolkata on Sunday.

The octogenarian religious leader was quick in his response to the child’s question: “For a child like you, it is holidays. Don’t think about serious things like happiness. Think of studies now and nothing else.”

The Dalai Lama was addressing a gathering at an award giving ceremony organised by the Ladies Study Group of Indian Chamber of Commerce.

With his sharp wit and sense of humour, the spiritual leader answered all audience questions.

“We believe in the karmic cycle of life. In that case do animals like goats and pigs become human beings

in their next birth?” a woman asked.

“I don’t know,” Dalai Lama said, “but it is possible. Then people from other planets are also born here.”

“We believe in rebirth, but people belonging to religions like Christianity and Islam do not believe in that philosophy. In that case are they not reborn? What happens to them?” another woman asked.

“All men and women are reborn. But I have great respect for those religions. They have powerful concepts,” Dalai Lama replied.

The spiritual leader’s wit was also aimed at himself. “People say I have healing powers, but actually I don’t. Two years ago I went for surgery and that scientifically proved that I had no healing powers,” the

Tibetan Guru said, amid peals of laughter from the audience.

Calling himself a reliable chela of India , Dalai Lama said Tibet nurtures the treasure that went from India .

“Tibet has kept the rich culture and tradition of India with care and India should not ignore that,” the exiled leader said.

Regarding China-Tibet relations Dalai Lama, who calls himself an ordinary monk, said lots of Chinese leaders are saying

they should pay more attention to Tibet .